| I love fireplaces! I was inspired to write about this topic | | | | irregular nooks and crannies the fireplace that is |
| today while incorporating a new fireplace design into a | | | | off-center can create a more challenging space to |
| home renovation project I've been working on. | | | | layout. It's also a more interesting space to design. |
| Nothing makes you feel more comfortable and cozy | | | | - You may still be able to place the sofa directly in |
| than a crackling roaring fire on a cold winter day. A | | | | front of the fireplace, but if that isn't an option, consider |
| fireplace instantly infuses character and charm into any | | | | positioning the furniture on a rug set on a slight diagonal |
| room and gives the space its personality. A formal | | | | turn. |
| living room fireplace lets us know it's a more mature | | | | - Make sure that the floating furniture situated on that |
| space to relax or retire to on special occasions. The | | | | rug are positioned at right angles with each other. It's all |
| more rustic stacked stone fireplace in the family room | | | | about the relationship within the grouping itself. |
| calls for everyone to kick back, relax and nestle in for | | | | - For a more informal atmosphere, a more casual |
| a casual family gathering. The dining room fireplace | | | | accessory placement above the fireplace mantle is |
| (my personal favorite) invites your friends and family to | | | | expected. |
| linger around the dining table for evenings filled with | | | | - Just make sure there is a balancing act between all |
| great food and even better conversation. | | | | elements within this asymmetrical space. |
| Whether it's your living room, family room, dining room | | | | Open Floor Plan |
| kitchen or bedroom, the fireplace is the focal point in | | | | Many homes have great rooms or large family spaces |
| the space and the proper furniture placement is | | | | that are open and undefined. If not designed properly |
| imperative in order for you to make the most of your | | | | they can feel unanchored as the furniture can feel |
| fireplace. | | | | unanchored in an opened multi functional space. |
| Symmetrical Layout | | | | - Open floor plans tend to flow from one space to |
| If your fireplace is centrally located within a wall and is | | | | another so it's more important than ever to have each |
| flanked by windows or bookcases that are the same | | | | space relate to each other. |
| dimensions on each side, then you're dealing with a | | | | - Create the furniture groupings in front and around the |
| more traditional space and personality - which speaks | | | | fireplace. |
| to a more traditional furniture placement.Pairs are | | | | - Direct the traffic and flow around the furniture |
| important here. Flank a pair of comfortable and inviting | | | | grouping rather than through the space - thereby |
| chairs (or similar in size, design and proportion) on either | | | | defining the living space and accentuating the focal |
| side of the fireplace. | | | | point. |
| - Place your sofa directly facing the fireplace and you | | | | - Keep everything clutter-free and avoid any sharp |
| now have a comfortable conversation area. | | | | corners and obstacles, |
| - Situate a cocktail table, ottoman or other surface in | | | | - Incorporate durable and space defining flooring and |
| front of the sofa. | | | | area rugs to help designate zones to help define the |
| - Dress the mantle with a mirror, art, and other | | | | space and enhance that beautiful fireplace. |
| accessory pairs. | | | | Finally, remember to keep your seating casual and |
| - Anchor the area with a beautiful area rug and make | | | | inviting, use forgiving fabrics which allow you to kick |
| sure to relax the formality and potential stiffness with | | | | back and relax - and sprinkle high end comfort |
| some colorful objects and textures. | | | | throughout with luxurious down pillows to sink into at |
| Asymmetrical Layout | | | | the end of the day. Light the fire, grab your tea your |
| In a more energetic space with the varied details, | | | | favorite book and nestle in for the night! |